Man plans to adopt puppy after witnessing it being dragged from scooter

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Arthur L Smith (Photo courtesy of Evansville Courier and Press)

Man plans to adopt puppy after witnessing it being dragged from scooter

Arthur L Smith (Photo courtesy of Evansville Courier and Press)

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A puppy that was allegedly dragged behind a motorized scooter in Evansville may be adopted by a witness who tried to step in.

Arthur L. Smith, 56, was arrested Monday after authorities say he was seen dragging the 2-month-old dog by its leash in a Price Less Foods parking lot. He has since been preliminarily charged of animal cruelty and intimidation, according to the Evansville Courier and Press.

Police were called to the incident near the intersection of Covert and Vann avenues around 7 p.m. after receiving several 911 reports. One of those people, a 39-year-old man, told dispatchers that he confronted Smith regarding his actions and then Smith reportedly threatened to shoot him.

When Smith left the scene, at least one witness followed him to a home in the 1400 block of Harrelton Drive, which is where the dog was found and Smith was arrested, according to a police report.

In a followup interview with police, Smith denied dragging the dog behind the scooter and claimed that he was the one being threatened by bystanders.

Police say they don’t believe the puppy’s injuries are life-threatening.

“The dog had abrasions to the legs, stomach, chest and pads of the feet,” said police. “The dog stood up once shaking and struggling to walk. The dog would not get up anymore and had to be carried to the vehicle.”

When the Courier and Press called the home of the 39-year-old witness Tuesday, the person who answered confirmed that they planned to adopt the dog if animal control allowed them to.